Hampered by injuries, running back Brandon Saine’s career as a Buckeye has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.

Saine was named ‘Mr. Ohio Football’ following his senior year at Piqua High School. In his senior season, Saine rushed for 1,895 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Four years later, Saine admits that he’s not the same athlete as his high school career.

“Here at OSU, I think I’ve been able to do pretty well, maybe not quite Mr. Ohio football standards.”

Partly due to injury, Saine has struggled to put up equivalent numbers.

He underwent knee surgery in spring 2007.

“I’m glad it happened when I was a little bit younger. Injuries definitely set you back a little bit, but I think that not only physically, but it hurts you mentally too,” Saine said.

Two hamstring injuries, one during camp his second season, were big disappointments but served as jumping-off points for improvement.

“That injury was able to help me kind of get my head on straight and realize that there’s more to OSU than just starting and playing football,” Saine said.

Although his numbers aren’t nearly as impressive at OSU, Saine has become a versatile athlete, finding speed at both running back and wide receiver.

Saine has 183 rushing yards and 174 receiving yards on the season. He clearly has the ability to function in both respects.

“We think he’s really dangerous as a receiver and as a runner,” Tressel said following the 38-10 victory over Indiana.

Saine is third on the team with six touchdowns, only behind wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and running back Dan Herron, seven and nine respectively.

Both Saine and Sanzenbacher have affirmed they are best friends. When it comes to performance on the field, Saine might be slightly more competitive.

“I can definitely make it somewhat into a friendly competition (against Dane),” Saine said. “I think it can be fun to maybe towards the end of the year, really see who comes out on top.”

Last season, Saine received the Rex Kern award, voted on by coaches and given to an outstanding back. Saine shared the accolade with Herron.

“It was a great honor. Anytime you’re able to receive an award like that it kind of shows that your hard work pays off,” Saine said.

Saine’s career highlight came on Nov. 21, 2009.

“Being able to score a touchdown against Michigan,” Saine said.